Western Australians will soon have access to two new cost-of-living payments, with support to be rolled out from July 2026 as households continue to face rising everyday expenses.
Under the new Fuel Support Payment, anyone with a valid WA driver’s licence will be eligible for a one-off $100 payment to help with fuel costs. This includes learner, provisional and extraordinary licence holders.
Claims open on July 1 and can be made through the ServiceWA app using a Digital ID login. Other claiming options will also be available for people who do not want to use the app.
The government says the payment is designed to provide “cost-of-living relief” as petrol prices continue to hurt household budgets.
The measure was announced as part of WA Premier Roger Cook and Treasurer Rita Saffioti’s third budget for the state, which recorded a $3.5 billion surplus. That result was strengthened by $9.3 billion in GST revenue expected to reach WA next year.
The state also says it has the “most affordable debt in the nation”, with debt forecast to come in $4 billion lower than expected at $34.5 billion by June 30.
Premier Roger Cook said Western Australia remained the strongest economy in the country.
He said the budget was based on straightforward goals to keep the economy strong and deliver on jobs, health, housing and cost-of-living relief.
“This budget is important for WA Labor and is an important one for Western Australians,” he said.
Families with children at school will also be able to claim the WA Student Assistance Payment later in the month.
Returning for a third year, the payment helps parents cover school-related costs including uniforms, books, excursions and other everyday expenses.
Eligible families will receive $150 for each kindergarten or primary school student and $250 for each secondary school student.
Claims for the payment open on July 20 through the ServiceWA app.
The payment is available for students from kindergarten to Year 12 enrolled in WA public and non-government schools. Some homeschool students, mature-age students studying towards their WACE, foster carers and eligible international full-fee-paying students can also access the payment.
To claim it, parents and carers will need their child’s WA student number, or WASN, which can usually be found on school reports, NAPLAN results or some SmartRider cards.
Parents of children who started kindergarten or pre-primary this year and do not yet know their WASN have been advised to contact their school.
The government is encouraging residents to download or update the ServiceWA app and set up a Digital ID before the payments go live.
A Digital Driver Licence is also expected to launch in the app later this year.
